Thursday, January 19, 2012

The List is a Mile Long

We're not even to the end of January yet and already my To Do list feels insurmountable.  Although I vowed not to take on too many projects for others, I just can't seem to help myself.  Most of it is really fun, so I'm not complaining.  However I seem to be stuck in a rut of having so much to do that I cannot even motivate myself to begin!  Instead, I have spent hours and hours in front of the computer for the last few days pouring over apartment rentals in Paris.

Yes, on top of my sewing To Do's, planning a family trip to France in March is also weighing rather heavily. I know, boo-hoo.  We're super excited.  I'm just feeling a little apprehensive about being prepared. It's not like the old days when I took off with a backpack and a Lonely Planet guide all by myself.  Some stuff just has to be booked in advance when you're a family of four.  Once I get that first week taken care of, I'll relax a bit.

There isn't too much to show you from the sewing room. I did manage to piece this bee block for Rene yesterday. I used a lovely new tutorial from Lee for this Ribbon Star block. Check out all of Lee's versions. You can do some really fun things with colour in this block.  I used the fabrics Rene sent out for her month in the VIBees.

Ribbon Star block

Last Saturday I held one of my regular day retreats and was able to piece this LynneBobSquarePants for Lynne's month in the VIBees. 

Lynnebobsquarepants for Lynne by Poppyprint

I think with the completion of these 2 blocks, that bee is over and out!  This is the second time I've made this block for Lynne with Liberty scraps. Agatha had a bit of a hard time with the difference in weights of fabric (tana lawn Liberty prints and the kona charcoal solid).  The lawns were sort of bunching up under the foot. Very frustrating, but I think I managed to beat this block into submission with the assistance of Mary Ellen's Best Press (Caribbean Beach is my favorite scent. Nothing like fantasizing sand between my toes and ocean waves lapping up to the door of your sewing room.  A really steamy iron helps, too...gives your cheeks that sun-kissed glow).

Back to my internet searching.....

20 comments:

Kristie said...

I get how you feel! I am also feeling a little overwhelmed by the world of Disney, planning our trip (for next week! Eek!). And while I finally AM feeling some sewing motivation, it has left me frustrated due to the lack of TIME to get to the machine. Anyways, it is what it is. And DO NOT be stressing about our little dealio, eh! No rush!

CitricSugar said...

I know the feeling of taking on too much! However, I must admit that a lot of this year's to-do list is leftovers from last year's. I have a date with the list this weekend and edit out unimportant and unrealistic, as well as "oops, deadline passed on that one."

Beautiful blocks - love them!

Richard Healey said...

I like that block. And love its name. Going to add it to the bucket (Pin it) list.

http//richardquilts.blogspot.com

Katy Cameron said...

Ah, I know that overwhelming so much to do for others feeling!

Good luck with your Paris search, I'm sure it will all work out perfectly :o) Are you going for a whole month?

Katherine said...

Gorgeous blocks, Krista!

Best of luck getting your plans worked out. Sounds like a wonderful adventure for your family. Ah, Paris!

Lucy | Charm About You said...

I think we're all in the same boat! So many lovely things to see and make :)
Paris sounds wonderful! Try not to worry I'm sure you'll take care of all the prep you can and the rest will take care of itself!
The blocks are fantastic, love the scraps!

Rachel said...

Are you using this website to find your Paris apartment: http://www.parisattitude.com/

That's where I went to rent my place two years ago. They were easy to deal with and the rates were comparable.

Love your blocks!

Leanne said...

The blocks are beautiful! A trip to France sounds wonderful, I hope you are going for a nice long while.

Katie B said...

Ooh, Paris! Sounds lovely. I'm not planning any major trips, but I kind of feel the same way. Instead of finishing on of my many WIPs, I'm starting new ones!

♥Duff said...

OH, that was a good laugh! I think after a trip to France, the only facial you'll be able to afford will consist of Mary Ellen's best press and a steamy iron!
Good luck finding an apartment, mon ami!

Nina Lise@Mrs Moen said...

Lovely, lovely blocks; your piecing skills are impeccable!
I am (sort of) relieved that I am not the only one feeling overwhelmed by all tha projcts piling up in front of me. Family trip to France sounds exciting! I have only been in Paris on a business trip although with a weekend of all kinds of touristy fun attached. One of my assistants knew Paris very well, so I just happily tagged along.
Happy planning!

Mrs Flying Blind... said...

If you shout from Paris, I might be able to hear you!

Unknown said...

Wow you'll be in Paris before you know it! Sounds AWEsome.

That ribbon star block is really cool. So multifaceted! Reminds me of a jewel.

What Comes Next? said...

Paris in the springtime - how wonderful! Great blocks, too.
I definitely know that overwhelmed feeling and then the resulting inactivity - this computer has been taking up all my time. That will change today!
Good luck getting all your plans in place.

paulette said...

Gorgeous blocks!!
P

Jackie said...

A fellow Canadian quilter, yahoo. I signed up to follow, I found you from Pinterest no less!

Dianne said...

Awesome blocks Krista! I am going to check out the tute for the ribbons block - it's lovely!
I hope you got lots of sewing done today and were all cozy and warm. We missed you at stitch!

Holly said...

I hear you with the overwhelming to do list!

Your trip to Paris sounds so exciting! My family took a European vacation when my sister and I were twelve and fifteen and I'll always remember it.

Love that ribbon star block!

Krista said...

Yep, being overwhelmed is no fun. I do the same thing and just choose to do nothing at all. Luckily my two big deadline projects have been met, but now I need to get to work on things I've been wanting to do. What exactly do you need to work on?

I forget, how long are you going to be in Paris? I'm so excited to hear about your family's adventures!

Live a Colorful Life said...

I didn't realize the Paris trip was coming up so soon! Your bee blocks are great. Those are both tutorials I want to try soon. For myself this year. Because I'm only in one bee. I resolve to not be tempted to join any more. Now if I could only maintain my resolve about not joining quilt-alongs. That is not going quite as well for me...